RULES AND REGULATIONS
Title 58—RECREATION
PENNSYLVANIA GAMING CONTROL BOARD
[ 58 PA. CODE CH. 575 ]
Asia Poker; Temporary Regulations
[41 Pa.B. 5155]
[Saturday, October 1, 2011]The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (Board), under its general authority in 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A03 (relating to temporary table game regulations) enacted by the act of January 7, 2010 (P. L. 1, No. 1) (Act 1) and the specific authority in 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A02(1) and (2) (relating to regulatory authority), adds Chapter 575 (relating to Asia Poker) to read as set forth in Annex A. The Board's temporary regulations will be added to Part VII (relating to Gaming Control Board) as part of Subpart K (relating to table games).
Purpose of the Temporary Rulemaking
This temporary rulemaking adds Asia Poker to the complement of games that are authorized for play in this Commonwealth.
Explanation of Chapter 575
Chapter 575 contains a new authorized banked game. Section 575.1 (relating to definitions) contains the definitions for terms used in Asia Poker. Section 575.2 (relating to Asia Poker table; Asia Poker shaker; physical characteristics) contains the requirements pertaining to Asia Poker tables and other equipment used in the play of the game.
Section 575.3 (relating to cards; number of decks) addresses the number of decks that are used in Asia Poker and the frequency with which the decks are to be changed. Sections 575.4 and 575.5 (relating to opening of the table for gaming; and shuffle and cut of the cards; procedures for determining the starting position for dealing cards) set forth the procedures for the inspection of the cards, the shuffling and cutting of the cards before the cards are dealt and which player is to be dealt first.
Sections 575.6 and 575.7 (relating to Asia Poker rankings; and wagers) set forth the rank of the cards for the purpose of determining a winning hand and specify which wagers are authorized for use at the game and when those wagers are to be placed.
Sections 575.8—575.10 (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedures for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe) specify the procedures for the dealing of the cards to each patron and the dealer. Section 575.11 (relating to procedures for completion of each round of play) addresses how the dealer is to evaluate whether a patron's hand is a winning hand. This section also addresses the procedures for collecting cards, collecting loosing wagers and paying out winning wagers.
Section 575.12 (relating to payout odds; payout limitation) sets forth the payout odds for winning wagers and the requirements if a certificate holder establishes a maximum payout limitation. Section 575.13 (relating to irregularities; invalid roll of dice) provides the rules to address unusual circumstances that might arise during the play of the game.
Affected Parties
This temporary rulemaking will allow certificate holders additional options on how to conduct table games at their licensed facilities.
Fiscal Impact
Commonwealth. The Board does not expect that this temporary rulemaking will have fiscal impact on the Board or any other Commonwealth agency. Internal control procedures submitted by certificate holders regarding table games Rules Submissions will be reviewed by existing Board staff.
Political subdivisions. This temporary rulemaking will not have direct fiscal impact on political subdivisions of this Commonwealth. Eventually, host municipalities and counties will benefit from the local share funding that is mandated by Act 1.
Private sector. This temporary rulemaking will give certificate holders some additional flexibility as to how they conduct table games.
General public. This temporary rulemaking will not have direct fiscal impact on the general public.
Paperwork Requirements
If a certificate holder selects different options or new games for play at the licensed facility, the certificate holder will be required to submit an updated Rules Submission reflecting the changes.
Effective Date
This temporary rulemaking will become effective upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Public Comments
While this rulemaking will be effective upon publication, the Board is seeking comments from the public and affected parties as to how this temporary regulation might be improved. Interested persons are invited to submit written comments, suggestions or objections regarding this temporary rulemaking within 30 days after the date of publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin to Susan A. Yocum, Assistant Chief Counsel, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, P. O. Box 69060, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9060, Attention: Public Comment on Regulation #125-160.
Contact Person
The contact person for questions about this rulemaking is Susan A. Yocum, Assistant Chief Counsel, (717) 346-8300.
Regulatory Review
Under 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A03, the Board is authorized to adopt temporary regulations which are not subject to sections 201—205 of the act of July 31, 1968 (P. L. 769, No. 240) (45 P. S. §§ 1201—1208), known as the Commonwealth Documents Law (CDL), the Regulatory Review Act (71 P. S. §§ 745.1—745.12) and sections 204(b) and 301(10) of the Commonwealth Attorneys Act (71 P. S. §§ 732-204(b) and 732-301(10)). These temporary regulations expire 2 years after publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Findings
The Board finds that:
(1) Under 4 Pa.C.S. § 13A03, the temporary regulations are exempt from the Regulatory Review Act, sections 201—205 of the CDL and sections 204(b) and 301(10) of the Commonwealth Attorneys Act.
(2) The adoption of the temporary regulations is necessary and appropriate for the administration and enforcement of 4 Pa.C.S. Part II (relating to gaming).
Order
The Board, acting under 4 Pa.C.S. Part II, orders that:
(1) The regulations of the Board, 58 Pa. Code, are amended by adding §§ 575.1—575.13 to read as set forth in Annex A.
(2) The temporary regulations are effective October 1, 2011.
(3) The temporary regulations will be posted on the Board's web site and published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
(4) The temporary regulations are subject to amendment as deemed necessary by the Board.
(5) The Chairperson of the Board shall certify this order and Annex A and deposit them with the Legislative Reference Bureau as required by law.
WILLIAM H. RYAN, Jr.,
ChairpersonFiscal Note: 125-160. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
Annex A
Title 58. RECREATION
PART VII. GAMING CONTROL BOARD
Subpart K. TABLE GAMES
CHAPTER 575. ASIA POKER Sec.
575.1. Definitions. 575.2. Asia Poker table; Asia Poker shaker; physical characteristics. 575.3. Cards; number of decks. 575.4. Opening of the table for gaming. 575.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards; procedures for determining the starting position for dealing cards. 575.6. Asia Poker rankings. 575.7. Wagers. 575.8. Procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe. 575.9. Procedures for dealing the cards from the hand. 575.10. Procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe. 575.11. Procedures for completion of each round of play. 575.12. Payout odds; payout limitation. 575.13. Irregularities; invalid roll of dice. § 575.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Copy hand—A high hand, medium hand or low hand of a player that is identical in rank to the corresponding high hand, medium hand or low hand of the dealer.
High hand—The four-card hand that is formed from the seven cards dealt so as to rank higher than the medium hand and the low hand.
Low hand—The one-card hand that is formed from the seven cards dealt so as to rank lower than the high hand and the medium hand.
Medium hand—The two-card hand that is formed from the seven cards dealt so as to rank lower than the high hand and higher than the low hand.
Setting the hands—The process of forming a high hand, medium hand and low hand from the seven cards dealt.
§ 575.2. Asia Poker table; Asia Poker shaker; physical characteristics.
(a) Asia Poker shall be played at a table having betting positions for no more than six players on one side of the table and a place for the dealer on the opposite side of the table.
(b) The layout for an Asia Poker table shall be approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations and contain, at a minimum:
(1) The name or logo of the certificate holder.
(2) A separate betting area designated for the placement of the Asia Poker Wager for each player.
(3) Three separate areas designated for the placement of the high hand, medium hand and low hand of each player.
(4) Three separate areas designated for the placement of the high hand, medium hand and low hand of the dealer.
(5) If the certificate holder offers the optional Bonus Wager authorized under § 575.7(e) (relating to wagers), a separate area designated for the placement of the Bonus Wager for each player.
(6) Inscriptions that advise patrons of the payout odds or amounts for all permissible wagers offered by the certificate holder. If the payout odds or amounts are not inscribed on the layout, a sign identifying the payout odds or amounts for all permissible wagers shall be posted at each Asia Poker table.
(7) An inscription indicating the payout limit per hand established by the certificate holder under § 575.12(c) (relating to payout odds; payout limitation) or a generic inscription indicating the game is subject to the posted payout limit. If the payout limit is not inscribed on the layout, a sign which sets forth the required information shall be posted at each Asia Poker table.
(c) To determine the starting position for the dealing or delivery of the cards, Asia Poker may be played with:
(1) An Asia Poker shaker, approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations, which shall be designed and constructed to maintain the integrity of the game. The Asia Poker shaker shall be the responsibility of the dealer, may not be left unattended while at the table and must:
(i) Be capable of housing three dice that when not being shaken shall be maintained within the Asia Poker shaker. Dice that have been placed in an Asia Poker shaker for use in gaming may not remain on a table for more than 24 hours.
(ii) Be designed to prevent the dice from being seen while being shaken.
(iii) Have the name or logo of the certificate holder imprinted or impressed thereon.
(2) A computerized random number generator which must be approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations prior to its use.
(3) A flat button which shall be approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations prior to its use.
(d) Each Asia Poker table must have a drop box and a tip box attached on the same side of the gaming table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer and in locations approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance. The Bureau of Casino Compliance may approve an alternative location for the tip box when a card shuffling device or other table game equipment prevents the placement of the drop box and tip box on the same side of the gaming table as, but on opposite sides of, the dealer.
(e) Each Asia Poker table must have a discard rack securely attached to the top of the dealer's side of the table.
§ 575.3. Cards; number of decks.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), Asia Poker shall be played with one deck of cards that are identical in appearance and two cover cards. The deck of cards used to play Asia Poker must include one joker. A certificate holder may use decks that are manufactured with two jokers provided that only one joker is used for gaming.
(b) If an automated card shuffling device is utilized, Asia Poker may be played with two decks of cards in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) The cards in each deck must be of the same design. The backs of the cards in one deck must be of a different color than the cards included in the other deck.
(2) One deck of cards shall be shuffled and stored in the automated card shuffling device while the other deck is being used to play the game.
(3) Both decks of cards shall be continuously alternated in and out of play, with each deck being used for every other round of play.
(4) The cards from only one deck shall be placed in the discard rack at any given time.
(c) The decks of cards used in Asia Ride Poker shall be changed:
(1) At least every 4 hours if the cards are dealt by hand.
(2) At least every 8 hours if the cards are dealt from a manual or automated dealing shoe.
§ 575.4. Opening of the table for gaming.
(a) After receiving one or more decks of cards at the table, the dealer shall inspect the cards for any defects. The floorperson assigned to the table shall verify the inspection.
(b) If the deck of cards used by the certificate holder contains two jokers, the dealer and a floorperson shall ensure that only one joker is utilized and that the other joker is torn in half and placed in the box, envelope or container that the deck came from. After the cards are inspected, the cards shall be spread out face up on the table for visual inspection by the first player to arrive at the table. The cards shall be spread in horizontal fan shaped columns by deck according to suit and in sequence and shall include the one joker.
(c) After the first player is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the cards shall be turned face down on the table, mixed thoroughly by a washing of the cards and stacked. Once the cards have been stacked, they shall be shuffled in accordance with § 575.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards; procedures for determining the starting position for dealing cards).
(d) If an automated card shuffling device is utilized and two decks of cards are received at the table, each deck of cards shall be spread for inspection, mixed, stacked and shuffled in accordance with subsections (a)—(c).
(e) If the decks of cards received at the table are preinspected and preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), the requirements in subsections (a)—(d) do not apply.
§ 575.5. Shuffle and cut of the cards; procedures for determining the starting position for dealing cards.
(a) Immediately prior to commencement of play, unless the cards were preshuffled in accordance with § 523.16(u) or (v) (relating to cards; receipt, storage, inspections and removal from use), after each round of play has been completed or when directed by the floorperson or above, the dealer shall shuffle the cards, either manually or by use of an automated card shuffling device, so that the cards are randomly intermixed. Upon completion of the shuffle, the dealer or device shall place the deck of cards in a single stack provided, however, that the certificate holder may use an automated card shuffling device which, upon completion of the shuffling of the cards, inserts the stack of cards directly into a dealing shoe.
(b) After the cards have been shuffled and stacked, the dealer shall:
(1) If the cards were shuffled using an automated card shuffling device, determine the starting position in accordance with subsection (g), then deal the cards in accordance with § 575.8, § 575.9 or § 575.10 (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedures for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe).
(2) If the cards were shuffled manually or were preshuffled, cut the cards in accordance with subsection (c).
(c) If a cut of the cards is required, the dealer shall place the cover card in the stack at least ten cards in from the top of the stack. Once the cover card has been inserted, the dealer shall take all cards above the cover card and the cover card and place them on the bottom of the stack. The stack of cards shall then be inserted into the dealing shoe for commencement of play. The dealer shall then determine the starting position in accordance with subsection (g), and deal the cards in accordance with § 575.8, § 575.9 or § 575.10.
(d) After the cards have been cut and before any cards have been dealt, a floorperson or above may require the cards to be recut if the floorperson determines that the cut was performed improperly or in any way that might affect the integrity or fairness of the game.
(e) If there is no gaming activity at an Asia Poker table which is open for gaming, the cards shall be removed from the dealing shoe and discard rack and spread out on the table face down unless a player requests that the cards be spread face up on the table. After the first player arriving at the table is afforded an opportunity to visually inspect the cards, the procedures in § 575.4(c) (relating to opening of the table for gaming) and this section shall be completed.
(f) In lieu of the dealing and shuffling requirements in this section, a certificate holder may utilize a dealing shoe or other device designed to automatically reshuffle the cards provided that the device and the procedures for dealing and shuffling the cards through use of this device are approved by the Bureau of Gaming Laboratory Operations.
(g) To determine the starting position for the dealing of cards, the certificate holder shall use one of the following:
(1) An Asia Poker shaker in accordance with the following procedures:
(i) The dealer shall shake the Asia Poker shaker at least three times to cause a random mixture of the dice.
(ii) The dealer shall then remove the lid covering the Asia Poker shaker and place the uncovered shaker on the designated area of the table layout. The dealer shall then total the dice and announce the total.
(iii) To determine the starting position, the dealer shall count each betting position in order, regardless of whether there is a wager at the betting position, beginning with the dealer as number one and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise manner, until the count matches the total of the three dice.
(iv) After the dealing procedures required under § 575.8, § 575.9 or § 575.10 have been completed, the dealer shall place the cover on the Asia Poker shaker and shake the shaker once. The Asia Poker shaker shall then be placed to the right of the dealer.
(2) A computerized random number generator to select and display a number from 1 to 7. To determine the starting position, the dealer shall count each betting position in order, regardless of whether there is a wager at the betting position, beginning with the dealer as number one and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise manner, until the count matches the number displayed by the random number generator.
(3) If an automated card shuffling device and dealing shoe are used under § 575.10, a flat button to indicate the starting position. At the commencement of play, the button shall be placed in front of the dealer. Thereafter, the button shall rotate around the table in a clockwise manner after each round of play.
(h) After the starting position for a round of play has been determined, a certificate holder may mark that position with an additional cover card or similar object approved by the Bureau of Gaming Operations.
§ 575.6. Asia Poker rankings.
(a) The rank of the cards used in Asia Poker, in order of highest to lowest, shall be: ace, king, queen, jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 and 2. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an ace may be used to complete a straight flush or a straight formed with a 2, 3 and 4 but may not be combined with any other sequence of cards (for example: queen, king, ace and 2). The joker shall be used and ranked as an ace or may be used as any card to complete a straight, a flush, a straight flush or a royal flush.
(b) The permissible poker hands at the game of Asia Poker, in order of highest to lowest rank, shall be:
(1) Four aces, which is a high hand consisting of four aces or three aces and a joker.
(2) A royal flush, which is a high hand consisting of an ace, king, queen and jack of the same suit.
(3) A straight flush, which is a high hand consisting of four cards of the same suit in consecutive ranking, with ace, 2, 3 and 4 being the highest ranking straight flush; king, queen, jack and 10 being the second highest ranking straight flush; and 2, 3, 4 and 5 being the lowest ranking straight flush. The certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 521.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), specify that a straight flush formed with an ace, 2, 3 and 4 of the same suit is the lowest ranking straight flush.
(4) A four-of-a-kind, which is a high hand consisting of four cards of the same rank, with four kings being the highest ranking four-of-a-kind and four 2s being the lowest ranking four-of-a-kind.
(5) A flush, which is a high hand consisting of four cards of the same suit. When comparing two flushes, the provisions in subsection (c) shall be applied.
(6) A straight, which is a high hand consisting of four cards of consecutive rank, regardless of suit, with an ace, king, queen and jack being the highest ranking straight; an ace, 2, 3 and 4 being the second highest ranking straight; and a 2, 3, 4 and 5 being the lowest ranking straight. The certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 521.2, specify that a straight formed with an ace, 2, 3 and 4, regardless of suit, is the lowest ranking straight.
(7) A three-of-a-kind, which is a high hand containing three cards of the same rank, with three aces being the highest ranking three-of-a-kind and three 2s being the lowest ranking three-of-a-kind.
(8) Two pair, which is a high hand containing two pairs, with two aces and two kings being the highest ranking two pair hand and two 3s and two 2s being the lowest ranking two pair hand.
(9) A pair, which is either a high hand or a low hand consisting of two cards of the same rank, with two aces being the highest ranking pair and two 2s being the lowest ranking pair.
(c) When comparing two high hands, two medium hands or two low hands that are of identical hand rank under subsection (b), or contain none of the hands in subsection (b), the hand that contains the highest ranking card under subsection (a), which is not in the other hand, shall be considered the higher ranking hand. If the two hands are of identical rank after the application of this section, the hands shall be considered a copy.
(d) If the certificate holder offers the optional Bonus Wager under § 575.7(e) (relating to wagers), the following hands shall be used to determine the amount of the bonus payout to a winning player:
(1) A three-of-a-kind and four 8s.
(2) Five aces, which is a hand consisting of four aces and a joker.
(3) A royal flush, which is a hand consisting of an ace, king, queen, jack and 10 of the same suit.
(4) A natural straight flush, which is a hand consisting of five cards of the same suit in consecutive rank with no joker.
(5) A straight flush with a joker, which is a hand consisting of five cards of the same suit in consecutive rank, one of which is a joker.
(6) A four-of-a-kind, which is a hand consisting of four cards of the same rank regardless of suit.
(7) A 9-high, which is a seven-card hand that contains a 9, 8, 7, 6, 4, 3 and 2 or a 9, 8, 7, 5, 4, 3 and 2.
(8) A full house, which is a hand consisting of a three-of-a-kind and a pair.
(9) A flush, which is a hand consisting of five cards of the same suit.
(10) A three-of-a-kind, which is a hand containing three cards of the same rank regardless of suit.
(11) A straight, which is a hand consisting of five cards of consecutive rank, regardless of suit.
§ 575.7. Wagers.
(a) Wagers at Asia Poker shall be made by placing value chips or plaques on the appropriate areas of the Asia Poker layout. Verbal wagers accompanied by cash may not be accepted.
(b) Only players who are seated at an Asia Poker table may wager at the game. Once a player has placed a wager and received cards, that player shall remain seated until the completion of the round of play. If a player leaves the table during a round of player, any wagers made by the player may be considered abandoned and may be treated as losing wagers.
(c) All wagers at Asia Poker must be placed prior to the dealer announcing ''no more bets'' in accordance with the dealing procedures in § 575.8, § 575.9 or § 575.10 (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedures for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe). A wager may not be made, increased or withdrawn after the dealer has announced ''no more bets.''
(d) To participate in a round of play and compete against the dealer's high hand, medium hand and low hand, a player shall place an Asia Poker Wager.
(e) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 521.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions), offer to each player who placed an Asia Poker Wager, the option of placing a Bonus Wager that the seven cards dealt to the player will form a hand with a rank of 9-high or better as described in § 575.6(d) (relating to Asia Poker rankings).
(f) A certificate holder may, if specified in its Rules Submission under § 521.2, permit a player to wager on two adjacent betting areas at an Asia Poker table. If a certificate holder permits a player to wager on adjacent betting areas, the cards dealt to each betting area shall be played separately. If the two wagers are not equal, the player shall set the hand with the larger wager before ranking and setting the other hand. If the amounts wagered are equal, each hand shall be played separately in a counterclockwise rotation with the first hand being ranked and set before the player proceeds to rank and set the second hand. Once a hand has been ranked, set and placed face down on the layout, the hands may not be changed.
§ 575.8. Procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe.
(a) If a manual dealing shoe is used, the dealing shoe must be located on the table in a location approved by the Bureau of Casino Compliance. Once the procedures required under § 575.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards; procedures for determining the starting position for dealing cards) have been completed, the stacked deck of cards shall be placed in the dealing shoe either by the dealer or by an automated card shuffling device.
(b) Prior to dealing any cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and use one of the procedures authorized under § 575.5(g) to determine the starting position for dealing the cards.
(c) The dealer shall then deal the first card to the starting position as determined in subsection (b) and, continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, deal one card at a time to all other positions, regardless of whether there is a wager at the position, and the dealer, until each position and the dealer has seven cards. Each card dealt shall be removed from the dealing shoe with the hand of the dealer that is closest to the dealing shoe and placed face down on the appropriate area of the layout with the opposite hand.
(d) After seven cards have been dealt to each position and the dealer, the dealer shall remove the stub from the manual dealing shoe and determine whether four cards are left by spreading them face down on the layout. The four cards that remain may not be exposed to anyone and shall be placed in the discard rack.
(e) If more or less than four cards remain, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt (a player position or the dealer has more or less than seven cards), all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.
(f) If the dealer determines the cards were dealt properly, the dealer shall collect any stacks dealt to a position where there was no wager and place them in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
§ 575.9. Procedures for dealing the cards from the hand.
(a) If the cards are dealt from the dealer's hand, the following requirements shall be observed:
(1) An automated shuffling device shall be used to shuffle the cards.
(2) After the procedures required under § 575.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards; procedures for determining the starting position for dealing cards) have been completed, the dealer shall place the deck of cards in either hand. After the dealer has chosen the hand in which to hold the cards, the dealer shall continue to use that hand when holding the cards during that round of play. The cards held by the dealer shall be kept over the table inventory container and in front of the dealer at all times.
(3) Prior to dealing any cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and use one of the procedures authorized under § 575.5(g) to determine the starting position for dealing the cards. The dealer shall deal each card by holding the deck of cards in the chosen hand and shall use the other hand to remove the top card of the deck and place it face down on the appropriate area of the layout.
(b) The dealer shall then deal the first card to the starting position as determined in subsection (a) and, continuing around the table in a clockwise manner, deal one card at a time to all other positions, regardless of whether there is a wager at the position, and the dealer, until each position and the dealer has seven cards.
(c) After seven cards have been dealt to each position and the dealer, the dealer shall determine whether four cards are left by spreading them face down on the layout. The four cards that remain may not be exposed to anyone and shall be placed in the discard rack.
(d) If more or less than four cards remain, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt (a player position or the dealer has more or less than seven cards), all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.
(e) If the dealer determines the cards were dealt properly, the dealer shall collect any stacks dealt to a position where there was no wager and place them in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
§ 575.10. Procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe.
(a) If the cards are dealt from an automated dealing shoe, the following requirements shall be observed:
(1) After the procedures under § 575.5 (relating to shuffle and cut of the cards; procedures for determining the starting position for dealing cards) have been completed, the cards shall be placed in the automated dealing shoe.
(2) Prior to the shoe dispensing any stacks of cards, the dealer shall announce ''no more bets'' and use one of the procedures authorized under § 575.5(g) to determine the starting position for dealing the cards.
(b) After the starting position for delivering the cards has been determined, the dealer shall deliver the first stack of cards dispensed by the automated dealing shoe face down to that position. As the remaining stacks are dispensed to the dealer by the automated dealing shoe, the dealer shall, moving clockwise around the table, deliver a stack face down to each of the other positions, regardless of whether there is a wager at the position, and the dealer.
(c) After seven cards have been dispensed and delivered to each position and the dealer, the dealer shall remove the remaining cards from the shoe and determine whether four cards are left by spreading them face down on the layout. The four cards that remain may not be exposed to anyone and shall be placed in the discard rack.
(d) If more or less than four cards remain, the dealer shall determine if the cards were misdealt. If the cards were misdealt (a player position or the dealer has more or less than seven cards), all hands shall be void and all wagers shall be returned to the players. If the cards were not misdealt, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the entire deck of cards shall be removed from the table.
(e) If the dealer determines the cards were dealt properly, the dealer shall collect any stacks dealt to a position where there was no wager and place them in the discard rack without exposing the cards.
§ 575.11. Procedures for completion of each round of play.
(a) After the dealing procedures required under § 575.8, § 575.9 or § 575.10 (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from a manual dealing shoe; procedures for dealing the cards from the hand; and procedures for dealing the cards from an automated dealing shoe) have been completed, each player shall examine his cards subject to the following limitations:
(1) Each player who wagers at an Asia Poker table shall be responsible for setting his own hands and no person other than the dealer and the player to whom the cards were dealt may touch the cards of that player. If a player requests assistance in the setting of his hands, the dealer shall inform the player of the manner in which the certificate holder requires the hands of the dealer to be set in accordance with the certificate holder's Rules Submission under § 521.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions).
(2) Each player shall keep his seven cards in full view of the dealer at all times.
(3) Once each player has set his three hands and placed them face down on the appropriate area of the layout, the player may not touch the cards again.
(b) Each player shall set his hands by arranging the cards into a high hand, a medium hand and a low hand. When setting the three hands, the four-card high hand must be higher in rank than the two-card medium hand and the medium hand must be higher in rank than the one-card low hand. For example, if the two-card medium hand contains a pair of sevens, the four-card high hand must contain at least a pair of sevens and the two remaining cards.
(c) After all players have set their hands and placed the cards on the table, the seven cards of the dealer shall be turned over and the dealer shall set his hands by arranging the cards into a high hand, medium hand and low hand. The certificate holder shall specify in its Rules Submission under § 521.2 the manner in which the hands of the dealer shall be set. The dealer shall then place the three hands face up on the appropriate area of the layout.
(d) Unless a player has placed an optional Bonus Wager in accordance with § 575.7(e) (relating to wagers), a player may surrender his wager after the hands of the dealer have been set. The player shall announce his intention to surrender prior to the dealer exposing any of the three hands of that player as provided in subsection (e). Once the player has announced his intention to surrender, the dealer shall immediately collect the Asia Poker Wager from that player and collect the seven cards dealt to that player without exposing the cards to anyone at the table. The dealer shall verify that seven cards were collected by counting them face down on the layout prior to placing them in the discard rack.
(e) After the dealer has set a high hand, medium hand and a low hand, the dealer shall reveal all three hands of each player, beginning with the player farthest to the dealer's right and continuing around the table in a counterclockwise direction. The dealer shall compare the high, medium and low hand of each player to the high, medium and low hand of the dealer and shall announce if the Asia Poker Wager of that player wins or loses.
(f) An Asia Poker Wager will:
(1) Lose and will immediately be collected if:
(i) Any two of the player's three hands are identical or lower in rank than the dealer's corresponding hands.
(ii) Any one of the player's three hands is identical in rank to the corresponding hand of the dealer and one of the player's remaining hands is lower in rank than the dealer's corresponding hand.
(iii) The high hand of the player was not set so as to rank higher than the medium hand of that player.
(iv) The medium hand of the player was not set so as to rank higher than the low hand of that player.
(v) The three hands of the player were not otherwise set correctly in accordance with this chapter.
(2) Win if any two of the player's three hands are higher in rank than the dealer's corresponding hands. The dealer shall pay the winning Asia Poker Wager in accordance with the payout odds in § 575.12(a) (relating to payout odds; payout limitation).
(g) Except as provide in subsection (h), after settling the player's Asia Poker Wager, the dealer shall place the cards of the player in the discard rack.
(h) If a player placed a Bonus Wager, after settling the player's Asia Poker Wager, the dealer shall rearrange the seven cards of any player and form the highest ranking hand and shall be responsible for creating the hand for purposes of the Bonus Wager. If a player:
(1) Does not have a 9-high or better, as described in § 575.6(d) (relating to Asia Poker rankings), the dealer shall collect the Bonus Wager and place the cards of the player in the discard rack.
(2) Has a 9-high or better, the dealer shall pay the winning Bonus Wager in accordance with § 575.12(b) and place the cards of the player in the discard rack.
(i) All cards removed from the table shall be placed in the discard rack in a manner that permits the reconstruction of each hand in the event of a question or dispute.
§ 575.12. Payout odds; payout limitation.
(a) A certificate holder shall pay each winning Asia Poker Wager at odds of 1 to 1.
(b) The certificate holder shall pay out winning Bonus Wagers at the odds in one of the following paytables selected by the certificate holder in its Rules Submission filed in accordance with § 521.2 (relating to table games Rules Submissions):
Hand Paytable A Paytable B Paytable C Three-of-a-kind and four 8s 5,000 to 1 5,000 to 1 5,000 to 1 Five aces 800 to 1 800 to 1 800 to 1 Royal flush 200 to 1 200 to 1 200 to 1 Natural straight flush 80 to 1 50 to 1 50 to 1 Straight flush with joker 40 to 1 40 to 1 40 to 1 Four-of-a-kind 30 to 1 30 to 1 25 to 1 9-high 10 to 1 10 to 1 10 to 1 Full house 5 to 1 5 to 1 5 to 1 Flush 4 to 1 4 to 1 4 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 3 to 1 3 to 1 3 to 1 Straight 2 to 1 2 to 1 2 to 1 (c) Notwithstanding the payout odds in subsections (a) and (b), a certificate holder may, in its Rules Submission under § 521.2, establish a maximum amount that is payable to a player on a single hand. The maximum payout amount shall be at least $50,000 or the maximum amount that one player could win per round when betting the minimum permissible wager, whichever is greater.
§ 575.13. Irregularities; invalid roll of dice.
(a) If the dealer uncovers the Asia Poker shaker and all three dice do not land flat on the bottom of the shaker, the dealer shall call a ''no roll'' and reshake the dice.
(b) If the dealer uncovers the Asia Poker shaker and a die or dice fall out of the shaker, the dealer shall call a ''no roll'' and reshake the dice.
(c) If the dealer incorrectly totals the dice and deals the first card to the wrong position, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.
(d) If the dealer exposes any of the cards dealt to a player, the player may void the hand. The player shall make the decision to either play out the hand or to void the hand without looking at the unexposed cards.
(e) If a card or cards in the dealer's hand are exposed, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.
(f) A card that is found face up in the shoe or the deck while the cards are being dealt shall not be used in that round of play and shall be placed in the discard rack. If more than one card is found face up in the shoe or the deck during the dealing of the cards, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.
(g) A card drawn in error without its face being exposed shall be used as though it were the next card from the shoe.
(h) If any player or the dealer is dealt an incorrect number of cards, all hands shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.
(i) If the dealer does not set his hands in the manner in which the certificate holder requires the hands of the dealer to be set, the hands shall be reset in accordance with the certificate holder's Rules Submission and the round of play shall be completed.
(j) If a card is exposed while the dealer is dealing the seven stacks in accordance with § 575.9 (relating to procedures for dealing the cards from the hand), all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.
(k) If any player position or the dealer is dealt an incorrect number of cards, all hand shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be reshuffled.
(l) If an automated card shuffling device is being used and the device jams, stops shuffling during a shuffle or fails to complete a shuffle cycle, the cards shall be reshuffled.
(m) If an automated dealing shoe is being used and the device jams, stops dealing cards or fails to deal all cards during a round of play, the round of play shall be void, all wagers shall be returned to the players and the cards shall be removed from the device and reshuffled with any cards already dealt.
(n) If an automated shuffling device or automated dealing shoe malfunctions and cannot be used, the automated card shuffling device or automated dealing shoe must be covered or have a sign indicating that the automated shuffling device or automated dealing show is out of order placed on the device before any other method of shuffling or dealing may be utilized at that table.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 11-1690. Filed for public inspection September 30, 2011, 9:00 a.m.]
No part of the information on this site may be reproduced for profit or sold for profit.This material has been drawn directly from the official Pennsylvania Bulletin full text database. Due to the limitations of HTML or differences in display capabilities of different browsers, this version may differ slightly from the official printed version.
